The Gorey councillor announced last week that he was formally putting his name forward for Fianna Fail in the forthcoming selection convention for the party.

Cllr Byrne was proposed by his North Wexford colleagues, Councillors Pip Breen and Joe Sullivan.

Announcing his entry into the race Cllr Byrne said: 'I have long had a desire to serve my county and country as a national legislator. I can offer experience and enthusiasm but am humble enough to know I don't have all the answers and I listen to others to try to understand their perspectives.

I passionately believe that politics is a noble profession and I'm involved to make a real difference to people's lives through legislative and policy change.'